A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT:
  "CONVENTION, LOVE, and OUR FUTURE TOGETHER"
As promised in my last message to you after Convention, this edition will highlight many of our wonderful experiences while there.  What a perfect time to share it with you when our Parsha of the week is Eikev, where in Deuteronomy 10:19, we read "Love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt".  More than 400 women came together as strangers, and left Convention with such love in our hearts for each other as well as the marvelous accomplishments of Women's League's first 100 years...and looking forward to the "Big Bold Steps" we are taking into the next 100!
Below you will see "Reflections" from some of our delegates, as well as pictures of our time together at meetings, plenums, awards presentations, meals, and other gatherings.  I encourage you to explore and enjoy the display and make plans to join us in 3 years for the 2020 Convention.  It was for us, and will be for you, one of the best experiences you'll ever have!
No matter how much we learned at Convention, our newly installed International Women's League President, Margie Miller, in her Shabbat message last week, implored us to keep questioning: "The value of the question and the value of continuing to question.  It's the constant questioning that pushes us to explore the unknown. We can't be afraid to ask the hard questions, let alone the easy ones...don't be afraid to seek out new answers.   Only then can you begin the process of finding the path that works for you."  What a forward looking way to move into our next 100 years!  As much as we think we know...we can always learn more, and our Region and Women's League will be with you every step of the way.
In that light, I encourage you to join us next Wednesday evening, August 16, for our annual Summer Training Session and Board Orientation.  It will be held at Tifereth Israel in Bensalem, and our Consultant will be Anise Parnes from Long Island, New York. We will start with a light supper, so please RSVP to allow our gracious host Sisterhood to know how many to prepare for.  We have extended the RSVP date to this Sunday, 8/13, so you have two more days to let us know you'll be joining us for this most important session.  Call me or email me ASAP, but, of course, not on Shabbat. (see flyer below).
I look forward to seeing all Sisterhood Presidents, Torah Fund Chairs/VP's, Region Board Members, other emerging leaders, as well as any other members who are interested in improving their skills and helping their Sisterhoods at next week's session!

WE ARE SISTERHOOD!  WE ARE REGION!  WE ARE WOMEN'S LEAGUE!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rochelle F. Hirt
President, Mid-Atlantic Region
IN OUR REGION

               

     
TORAH FUND START-UP for the 2017-2018 CAMPAIGN
 
 
Join us for Torah Fund Training for TF chairs and VPs at the
ANNUAL SUMMER TRAINING EVENT on Wednesday, August 16 - 6PM at Tifereth Israel of Lower Bucks County .
 
Join us for a light supper, a Board Orientation Program and then a Breakout Session for TF Chairs.  Bring your questions and get ready for the new campaign.  (Separate session for Sisterhood Presidents)
 
INPUT NEEDED!
Torah Fund Directors and Presidents - Let's work together to set realistic goals for your Sisterhood for the 2017-2018 Torah Fund campaign.  Have you lost one of your large donors?  Has anything else affected your ability to raise funds for our campaign?  Please let me know as we will be setting goals in the next few weeks. 
 
New pins for the 2017-2018 campaign available from the
Torah Fund office.
 
Get pins for your sisterhood and be ready to wear them at the
High Holidays.
 
Save the Date : Join the Mid-Atlantic Region at our
Annual Torah Fund - Founder's Day Event
on Nov. 12 at Tifereth Israel!
 
 If you have any questions, comments or if you need the pin order forms,
please feel free to contact me.
Lori Snow, Mid-Atlantic Region Torah Fund VP
lvsnow@comcast.net   (610) 635-0149          
MESSAGE FROM OUR MEMBERSHIP/SISTERHOOD SUPPORT VP

As Vice President of Membership and Sisterhood Support, my job is to help the region with membership - ideas, programs, workshops, etc.; and as Sisterhood Support - be the liaison between the area director and the sisterhood president(s).  I welcome all phone calls and emails.  I am here to help you and your sisterhood. 
Please send me your calendar of events, including your membership events.  
Also, please feel free to contact me regarding any help you or your sisterhood need.
Fran Radel, VP of Membership and Sisterhood Support,
Mid-Atlantic Region Women's League for Conservative Judaism
 
Home: 610-584-9234, Cell: 610-304-3908

OUR CONVENTION EXPERIENCE


We invite you to "join" us at the recent Convention, by experiencing what our delegates did through their words and pictures below.  Enjoy the experience and imagine being a delegate and really joining us in three years in 2020, when our own Debbi Goldich will be the Convention Chair, and our own Illene Rubin will be one of the Vice-Chairs, together with Marilyn Berkowitz from California.
We have chosen to display pictures primarily containing our Region delegates.  If you would like to get an overview of the speakers and other aspects of Convention, you may log on to the WLCJ website where there are dozens of other Convention memories on display.  ( www.wlcj.org )
First, however, we would like to thank Carol Simon for three wonderfully successful years of leadership of Women's League...and wish a Mazel-Tov to our new President, Margie Miller.  Todah Rabbah to our Region Madricha, Michele Bernstein, and Recruiter, Shelley Szwalbenest, for all  they did to make our Convention experience as amazing as it was! 



 

 
JEWELS IN THE CROWN LUNCHEON, TUESDAY (7-25-17)



Our 10 Mid-Atlantic Region winning Sisterhoods and their representatives, from L-R:
Illene Rubin (Cong. Beth El, Voorhees), Karen Mann (Temple Sinai, Dresher), Sheila Kliger (Har Zion, Penn Valley,
Dani Becker (Ohev Shalom, Richboro), Region President Rochelle Hirt (Cong. Beth Tikvah, Marlton),
WLCJ President, Carol Simon, Lori Snow (B'nai Jacob, Phoenixville), Debbi Goldich (Beth Tikvah-B'nai Jeshurun,    Erdenheim), Shelley Szwalbenest (Tifereth Israel, Bensalem), Gretchen Kotkin (Cong. Beth Tikvah, Marlton),
Liz Shamir (Temple Sinai, Dresher), Ariana Burrows (Melrose B'nai Israel-Emanuel),
Debbie Zimmerman (Temple Beth Sholom, Cherry Hill)



DELEGATES' REFLECTIONS ON 2017 CONVENTION
 
Shelley Szwalbenest, Tifereth Israel - Region Recruiter and first-time delegate
As a first time convention attendee, I really didn't know what to expect. I have heard Rochelle refer to it as her Jewish turn-on, and I have spoken to many women who wouldn't think of missing one, waxing nostalgic about the good ol' Concord Hotel days!
For me, it was the obvious planning, programming, enthusiasm and intelligence of the event! You could just see how hard these women worked to make this an event inspiring and important to everyone!

I especially was energized by the speakers during the Big Bold Steps Program on Monday. We had Melissa Rosen from Sharsheret, which provides support for Jewish women facing breast and ovarian cancer, Dana Marlowe, founder of Support the Girls which provides bras and menstrual products for homeless women, started from 4 words she heard in a bra store:  "Homeless women need bras," a discussion of the new Modern Jewish Family initiative whose goal is to make Judaism more inclusive and accepting, and our new education initiatives.  This showed us that Women's League is greater than the issues of our individual sisterhoods. We can really make a difference, and frankly, I was just so proud of "us"!

Tuesday was our Jewels in the Crown luncheon. How fun it was to see a room full of women wearing our paper crowns and being just so proud of winning awards for our individual sisterhoods. I can't wait to share some of the "winning" programs with my own sisterhood!  Our region had 10 award winners!

The programming was just outstanding! Whether you were a sisterhood president seeking new tips, a crafter wanting to make your own kippah, looking for personal growth, or to study with a scholar, it was all there! We had an Israel program, a book fair, evening get-togethers, you name it! It was impossible to be bored, or say there was nothing for you!
Tuesday evening we had a costume party where you came in an outfit from your favorite decade. Some of the costumes were truly jaw dropping. What a good time!

Wednesday, I'm somewhat prejudiced because my program: 'Taking Action for Women's Health' took place! Yes, they let a "newbie" chair a program. We had 8 speakers talking about various issues ranging from Women's League's proud traditions of resolutions and taking a stand, the Rabbinical Assembly's position on reproductive rights and abortion, domestic violence, the need for Planned Parenthood, taking care of yourself as a priority, running for office and making a difference, and even 2 young "next generation" women speaking about issues important to them! We learned and were empowered to find our passion, and then take action!

Meeting women from all over the USA and Canada with similar interests, concerns, challenges and triumphs was just so inspiring. Yes, it's a considered expense, but we all have 3 years to save up for the next one! I urge you to give it a try. You will be amazed at what our Women's League can accomplish and how you will be transformed by the experience!
.....................................................................................................................
 
Michele Bernstein, Ohev Shalom - Region Madricha and first-time delegate
Four or five years ago I would have never thought of being at convention with all the educated, like minded women who have such a committed goal.   A community of scholars / social action organizations - all with different backgrounds, ideals and experiences came together. 
 
Every woman met a new person and left convention as someone's new friend, with new ideas, new passions.
 
We are a community, a purpose, where you make friends and choices that really matter. I found my life more satisfying than it has been in a lot of years because of WLCJ
 
My WLCJ sisters are my companions on the road of life. I am already saving $10 a week for 2020.  See you there.
.....................................................................................................................

 
Karen Cuker, Adath Jeshurun - first-time delegate
So glad I decided to do it!!  Convention was so energizing, enlightening and fun!!  All the women were warm and outgoing.  I struck up conversations in workshops, during meals and in the elevators.  How very interesting to discover the outlook of Conservative Jewish women from all over the continent.  We have much in common, but much to learn from each other.  And we have much to do now that we have learned about all the important issues and projects that need our talents.  Brilliant scholars and presenters made the days go by all too quickly.  And then there were all the great friends from the Mid-Atlantic Region - we were Region proud! (And a little rowdy.)  Can't wait for the next Convention.
.....................................................................................................................

Faye Laveson, Temple Sinai, Dresher & Beth El, Yardley - "Veteran" delegate
I have attended every convention since 1978 when Goldie Kweller was installed at the Concord Hotel.  They all had their highlights and I never went home disappointed.  This convention was outstanding.  It was the first in a long time where I didn't have a major responsibility so I was able to enjoy all four sessions with our scholar Dr. Pamela Nadel who was fabulous. I also thought the plenums were wonderful and I am already looking forward to 2020. 
.....................................................................................................................

Violet Zeitlin, Adath Jeshurun -  "Veteran" delegate  
I found it very inspiring to see so many YOUNG women attending. I tell that to everyone I speak to about it and so many are surprised because of the image they have of Sisterhood. They plenary sessions were so informative, the speakers great and the whole convention was very substantive. I'm sorry I could not go to all of the workshops. 
 
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Ariana Burrows, Melrose B'nai Israel Emanu-El - "Veteran" delegate
The outstanding offering from my perspective was the series of sessions from scholar-in-residence, Dr. Pamela Nadell. Titled "Tevye's Daughters: Snapshots from the History of Jewish Women in America," this series captured both broad over-arching historic themes and some significant particulars that illuminated those themes. For any of us who lived through the desert dry "great men" approach to history, Dr. Nadell's presentations were like manna.
.....................................................................................................................

Janet Kirschner, Beth El, Voorhees & Temple Sinai, Cinna. - "Veteran" delegate
Great convention. Programming was excellent. Wonderful to be with over 400 like minded women.   Enjoyed spending time with my MAR sisters.   Looking forward to 2020, especially with Debbi and Illene leading it.  
............................................................................................................................

Barbara Rosenau, Temple Sinai, Dresher - "Veteran" delegate
WLCJ Convention 2017 in Arlington, VA was outstanding.  We shared days of inspired learning and workshops, tefillot and study with Chancellor Eisen (JTS) and Rabbi Artson (Ziegler), camaraderie, networking and of course shopping and eating.  I particularly enjoyed the workshop on Leadership led by new International President Margie Miller and the excellent Jewish Women in History session led by Dr. Pam Nadell.   Kol HaKavod to our Mid-Atlantic Region and President Rochelle Hirt!
.....................................................................................................................

Illene Rubin, Beth El, Voorhees - "Veteran" delegate
Convention:  Wow!  Electrifying!  Stimulating! Captivating!  And MAR was right up there and very visible!  Love seeing the changing face of our region under Rochelle's leadership!
.....................................................................................................................

San dy Berenbaum, Tifereth Israel - "Veteran" delegate
About 5,000 bras were packaged at the Women's League for Conservative Judaism triennial convention this past month. The day after convention ended, Dana Marlowe, Director of Support the Girls received a call from an affiliate in Utah to send 200 bras to young girls who fled the FLDS Warren Jeffs compound. We are ordinary people doing extraordinary things!
.....................................................................................................................

Linda Barankin, Ohev Shalom - "Veteran" delegate
Women's League Convention was held in Arlington Virginia and what a grand time we had.  For me it was particularly special as I was able to share it with my dayghter Dani.  I hae been fortunate to have gone to others and honestly they are always wonderful.  Camaraderie, sharing, laughing, learning and lots of listening to some of the most incredible speakers.  I have to say the Convention Chairs truly worked quite hard gathering those who presented.  Fantastic, interesting, and left me wanting more.
We all came home excited and rejuvenated.  Here is looking forward to 2017-2018 and the application of some of the wonderful ideas that were shared. 
We will update the Region on our progress.  Good luck to everyone.
..........................................................................................................................

Beth Chernoff, Temple Sinai, Dresher-  "Veteran" delegate
 
Convention was absolutely splendid.  The social action aspect on Wednesday morning ended the experience on such a high!

The Mid-Atlantic Region of
Women's League for Conservative Judaism
 
By Popular Request, Margie Miller,
WLCJ International Incoming President
has organized a trip to the
 
National 9/11 Memorial and Museum
Thursday, September 14, 2017
 
This is NOT a fundraiser but an opportunity for WLCJ members, from several local regions, including our Mid-Atlantic Region, to come together to share an enhanced touring experience, led by Margie, who will be our docent.
 
We will meet at the Memorial Plaza at 10:30 am where Margie will take a few minutes to talk about the twin memorial pools and how the names were organized, the Survivor Tree, and a little historical information. We will then proceed to the museum, where the
average visit lasts 2 ½ to 3 hours.
 
Tickets are $24.00 per Adult, $18 for Seniors 65+
Please register at
http://www.wizevents.com/register/5334
 
For more information, contact Sandy Blumenthal at sblume80@aol.com
FIRM deadline to RSVP is August 31st
 
Please inform Sandy when you have reserved your space.  She will maintain a list to aid those who wish to travel with others from their area.
 
Please note: Although there will be no arranged meal, there are
several nearby options to enjoy at the conclusion of the tour.
                                                                                                            

 IN OUR SISTERHOODS
If your Sisterhood is having an event that you would like to share with the Region,  please let us know at:  midatlanticregionwlcj@gmail.com



 MOMENTS TO SHARE

(Mazel Tovs, Memorials, and More...)
 
 
Mazel Tov to:
  • Linda Barankin, Immediate Past President of Ohev Shalom Sisterhood, on the engagement of her son, Joshua, to Jessica Villasenor 
 
Condolences to:
  • The family of Ellen Novak, Past President of Seaboard Branch.  Condolences may be sent to the Novack family at:
14111 Royal Vista Drive #406, Delray Beach, FL 33484
  Do you have a Simcha or Lifecycle Event you want to share with your Region Sisters?  
Email us at:  midatlanticregionwlcj@gmail.com  and we'll include it.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
NEW MID-ATLANTIC REGION BRACELET!
WEAR IT WITH PRIDE!
Be among the first to get and wear these new Region Bracelets created by our own Ceil Cable.

Our bracelet includes: Jewish Star Charm (Region Symbol), Charm of Pennsylvania, Charm of New Jersey, Hamsah, and a bead spacer in the middle.

Only $18 each---Proceeds will go towards our Region Scholarship Fund which enables us to provide our members with Scholarships to Leadership Institutes and Conventions.
To Order , please contact Ceil at  ckcable1@yahoo.com
Next L eadership Institute
October 29-30, 2017
Merrick Jewish Centre, Merrick, NY
Cost: $199 for the entire 2 day institute, including meals and snacks.
Plus hotel at $70 per person, double occupancy.
 
For further information, contact: Mimi Pollack, incoming Leadership Institute Chair, mimipollack@comcast.net, 215-355-5069,  215-837-6502